GHGSat continues to be at the forefront of emissions detection, starting from pioneering satellite-based methane monitoring to detecting methane for the first time from offshore facilities, mud volcanoes, livestock, agriculture, and more. Now, detecting methane emissions from palm oil mills (POMs) is added to the list of firsts. However, this isn’t just about detection—in recently published research, the GHGSat constellation has proven to be the best in terms of detection limits among all satellite instruments.
The recent study, published in Environmental Research Letters, marks the first time satellites have been proven to accurately detect methane emissions from POMs. The research highlights the exceptional performance of GHGSat’s satellites in identifying methane plumes, paving the way to enable effective operator action.
Methane (CH4) is a powerful, odorless greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide (CO2) in its contribution to global warming. Methane is released from various human activities, including livestock farming, oil and gas operations, coal mining, landfills, waste management, and agriculture.
Palm oil production is crucial for the socio-economic development of producing countries. In 2023, global palm oil production reached 79.46 million metric tons, with Indonesia leading as the largest producer at 47 million tons. Production significantly impacts natural forest ecosystems and contributes to climate change by releasing carbon from converted forests and peatlands.
During palm oil production, palm oil mill effluent (POME) is generated, which contains high levels of organic matter and requires treatment before discharge. Most POMs use a conventional ponding system for POME treatment, which includes a series of open ponds where anaerobic bacteria degrade organic materials, resulting in methane and carbon dioxide emissions. Many POMs have installed biodigesters to capture biogas from anaerobic digestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 75% per tonne of crude palm oil (CPO) produced.
This study is the first to confirm that satellite technology can effectively monitor methane emissions from POMs. In this study, satellite sensors with the highest sensitivity to methane emissions, namely the GHGSat commercial satellite constellation, the PRISMA, EnMAP, and EMIT, AVIRIS-NG airborne imaging spectrometers, were used. The data GHGSat collected not only highlights the methane emissions from these sources but also shows the potential for satellite monitoring to drive effective mitigation strategies. By providing detailed methane enhancement maps, operators are equipped with the tools they need to take informed action, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.
The findings showed substantial methane concentration over several ponds, with GHGSat detecting three methane plumes in Indonesia. These detections match the high methane emission rates reported in previous on-site studies, reinforcing the reliability of GHGSat’s satellite data.
GHGSat is committed to advancing environmental monitoring technologies and providing actionable insights to industries worldwide. This study is a crucial step towards sustainable palm oil production and highlights the importance of investing in innovative solutions to address environmental challenges. To know more about this research, read the full publication here
